| Take time to smell the roses... |
[May. 10th, 2006|12:18 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  nostalgic | ] |
Dear family and friends,
Well, I am back in Boulder, CO U.S.A. having arrived Thursday(4th)night. My father, my good friend Melissa and a surprize my 4yr old niece Jacque picked me up at the airport. It has been super busy since I got back, Friday I spent much time with my brother and niece by going bowling(Disco bowling that is!). I am just terrible at this game having scored 38 to my brother's 103 and nieces 66, yikes! So good to see the fam! Saturday, went to the annual kinetics which was awesome! For those of you who have never been or don't know what it is- you get a group of people together, build a craft that can go on land and water. Decorate crazily or make it look like something(this year there were killer rabbit, hummer, and pretty creative things), then there is a race. It's not actually about who wins but the creativity and fun in between. It is held at our reservoir and awesome music is played. My favorite of all bands played, The John Butler Trio, as well as Los Lobos. A good time was held by all, and there was plenty of dancing to be done. The sun even made an appearance after it had been rainy and cold for a couple weeks. Sunday I started working at a flower shop and will be working there all week. It is only temporary to help out with the Mother's Day holiday. But pretty good, since I just got home that Thursday. It will help pay some bills, save for rent and motivate me to get on if finding a long term job, hopefully in social work. So the days have been full since my return but I haven't forgotten about Africa, it is close to my heart, I don't want it to become surreal, like a dream. I miss all of you there, don't forget me! Keep in touch! I still have many stories and discussions to write about but for now I just wanted to let you all know I made it home safely and was thinking of you. I don't have a phone number yet because I am staying at my friends Al and Rob's house at least until the end of the month and then I am unsure. I am working on getting a cell phone, I was hoping to put it off but I am hard to reach at this point. So please email me and when I get a phone number I will let you all know! Now it everyone's alse's turn to tell me your adventure/life stories now that I am home again.... look forward to hearing them. lots of love, Angelique |
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| I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again... |
[May. 4th, 2006|01:25 am] |
I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...
Well, I'm on the way home now. Currently in Dubai International Airport waiting for my flight to London, then Cincinati and finally Denver. Dad, Melissa, I am not sure what time I'll be getting in at the airport but you can call the airport and check the time since you have the flight number. Thanks for coming to get me!
Family, Friends, not sure how I feel. Just in transit mode at the moment but already missing Africa. Nervous about leaving the road but trying to start thinking of job plan, have to find something fast but want to get back to social work again so everyone keep your ears open, thanks!
I spent the last few days in Nairobi and stayed with my friends Ruba, Karsten and Naja at their home. They were so sweet and welcoming, great way to end my stay there especially since the city can be overwhelming. Just starting to learn how to get around on the city transport and make my way through the city and just when it's time to go. The last couple days were full...
* Visited Karen Blixens home (the author of Out of Africa). It was a pretty house and lovely gardens but not quite what I had expected. There wasnt a lot to see or information about her life and the beautiful yard needed to have the garbage picked up. Mmmmm...
* Went to Karuzi Bead Factory and Shop, gorgeous glass beads of every color imaginable.
* Hit up the Masai market for a little bit of last shopping, oh its probably better I didnt have that much time bcse I would have easily spent too much money. Last chance to bargain!
* Had a chance to feed and pet the giraffes at the langatta giraffe center. Oh how big they are close up, those gentle creatures with their big brown eyes and slimy tongues!
*Enjoyed the last matatu rides with the blasting music and feel of Mr toads wild ride, speeding through downtown I was taking in everything for the last time! Oh how I was going to miss it!
Well, got to run and catch my flight! love you all! A |
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| Fresh Seafood... |
[Apr. 30th, 2006|03:34 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  impressed | ] |
| [ | music |
| | My heart goes shalalalala, shalalaala.... | ] |
Hi family, Hi friends,
I will continue with my writings from the road at some later date, as for now I want to share with you the last few days. Kari and I headed to Nairobi on Wed, last week to catch to train to Mombasa. We wanted to spend a few days on the beach just hanging out. Some new friends I made had invited me to call them when I got to Nairobi. Sweet family! We spent the afternoon with them at their home, which was nice that we could avoid the chaos of the city. I left my belongings I have managed to collect over the last 4 months at their home. It would be nice not to have to lug it on our trip with us. We would be taking the train to Mombasa, more appropriately named the Lunatic Express. Now, don't go getting worried, it was fine. We got a first class car bcse we thought we would try to get some sleep since it wouldnt arrive until morning. Dinner and breakfast were served, the morning greeted us with a rainbow over one of the villages we happened to be passing. A double rainbow at that. Now it was no Amtrak but it was an experience, I do love the train. I wish it were more accessible in the States and not so expensive. The place we were headed to on the coast was Tiwi Beach, one of the few beaches not overdeveloped. Kari and I were renting a cottage overlooking the ocean, with our own kitchen so we could cook our own meals. What a nice surprize! So quiet, so beautiful, not many people, and fellas on bikes would come riding by your door in the mornings selling fresh fish, crab, squid, lobster, fruits and veggies. We were in heaven! It was going to be a weekend of eatting! We cooked up some lobster for lunch to go along with our sandwiches, so delicious, with a bit of lemon juice squeezed over the top. MMMMMMmmmmm! The sun was out upon our arrival and having heard it had been raining every day, all day we decided to go for a walk and explore our little beach cove. So nice to be in the water, it was warm or as Kari put it like a babys bathtub. How I miss the smell of salt in the air, fresh breathable air, a place for only yourself to have no plan, just swim, read and eat. It was good timing in our swim, we could see the storm coming towards us from over the ocean. As soon as we got back to our little cottage, it began pouring. Good thing we were happy just reading our books and sitting on the porch snacking and watching the waves. Our second day, well, it rained ALL DAY! That is the chance one takes in coming during the rainy season, but we were okay, reading and during a momentary lapse of rain we headed out for a walk only to be drenched upon our return. That was okay, the rain was warm, we were at the beach, we were happy(sun is always nice at the beach but what are you going to do?!). Dinner was somthing to look forward to, fresh tuna, whoohooo! Now Kari is some cook, really came out well. I could stay here forever. I was enjoying our quiet time, lazy days reading, early nights listeing to the rain hitting the roof, and the waves crash on the shore. Each morning we were greeted by the fellas on bike with their catch of the day, the fruits, ect. I had to have my coconut juice every morning and I was set. That's the tropical life! One of our mornings we went walking out along the shore, careful to avoid the sea urchins. We went out with Said the guide and fisherman of the area. He took us out on his homemade boat, looking at it I was thinking, good thing we can always swim in case of sinking. It looked like a collection of wood strapped together, as well as heavy. After he scooped bucketfulls of water out from the previous nights rain, we were off. First we saw the crocodile islands, it was coral that looked similar to baby crocs. There is so much coral in this area, the land that isnt built on is thick jungle, dark and a mystery from where we sat out in the water. Our guide manouvered the boat around the coral, at times stopping to show us various little colors of fish. We got on our snorkel masks and headed into the water. I was awed by the sights of the ocean. There was the clown fish, he was larger than the clown fish I have seen(Nemo), blue and white stripped. So beautiful! He lived in an anenome, looked like a green mushroom that was poisen to the touch. But it was the clown fish's home and that of his babies. The fish did not wander farther than a meter of the mushroom. The mushroom looked like a cloud shaped fuuzzy like texture. Swimming around the area we saw Zebra fish, black and white stripped. Black fish, black with 2 white spots. Tiny little clear fish with blue heads, also little vibrant, neon green fish. Such a wonder of a world. Next stop, to Starfish city! Wow, words cannot even describe the job nature has done with these magnificent sea creatures. From small to surprizingly large Starfish. Ranging in all colors, bright red, neon yellow, blacks and browns, blues, and some of them with patterns on them. It looked like someone had taken great pains to decorate them finely. I was floored by these dazzling and curious sealife. You could touch them and they found kari's feet to be something of special interest to them. They kept finding and sticking, almost crawling up onto her feet. Maybe they thought she was a mermaid, who was trying to escape from the sea. Ohh, what a wonderful day! I didnt want it to end, I was so glad to have come and explored this area. Our guide Said told us that the numbers of Starfish have risen thankfully over the years due to his efforts to stop local fisherman from picking them and selling them to tourists. I can see why people would want them, they are gorgeous. But it is more important that a local has taken an interest and made the effort to conserve and protect the area. This place makes me happy, so happy but now it is coming to an end. We are in the city of Mombasa(which I am not impressed with and do not have any desire to stay in long, hence ducking into an internet cafe). It is the place to come for beaches, for rest, for seafood, for quiet and beauty. Kari and I take the night train, the Lunatic Express back to Nairobi tonight. The time is flying and I want to remember every little minute and hold on before I find myself back at home, back to the routine. But I will have such memories to keep me going for some time. So when I get back on Thursday night, and you catch me daydreaming you will know I am back in Kenya, back in Africa...... |
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| Writings from the road.... |
[Apr. 21st, 2006|03:16 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  indescribable | ] |
Hmmm... Sometimes I find myself lost in thought of all the places I have been lucky enough to visit, the people I have met, the new friends I've made, and I want to remember it all. Sometimes when I have been moving from place to place,in transit, I jot some notes here and there. Here are some of the few things I scribbled......
*Valley of the Elephants Zambia(Luangwa River):listening to Abba(mama mia!),
overlooking the Luangwa River,
flooding, water 10 meters higher than usual,
never wanting to go home
walking the path along side the river
excited greetings from children
communicating by singing kids songs(the wheels on the bus go round & round)
holding hands with the little children
*notes from 10 March(On the Truck)- Happy:)Thats what I feel through and through.
Listening to Colds Play, Parachute over and over again.
Everythings flying by.
Passing the people and waving, thumbs up, everything is okay.
Children getting out of school, waving, and never tiring of it,
little ones blowing kisses.
Cloudy skies, rains have passed, suns pushing through.
Fields and fields of Maize(corn).
Men cutting the grass with their pangas.
Green, green, and green is all I see.
How do I desribe how I feel?!
Being on the move, on the road but 'euphoric'.
*April 9 - 20, 2006 notes to self so as not to forget! Decide to hit the road after a week at good 'ol Karis and Dan.
Day 1, Sun:(En route from Nanyuki to Nakuru) Green after all the rains, so beautiful, rains
have started but its a welcome relief from the long drought. The land, crops, people and
animals prayed for it and drink it up. Good to be trying the road out on my own, never
trully alone. Finally made it, at least part of the way, yeah! Hey Mzungu, Mzungu how are you?! I
hear this as I walk through the towns. A little ugali and soukamaweke, a full belly and I'm off to bed
a happy girl, dreaming of what tomorrow brings.
Day 2, Mon:(Nakuru to Kisumu) I love boda-bodas!(bike taxi, cushy seat on back of bike, handle bars
foot rests to hold onto) as you go all around town and down the hills, wheeee! I love the feeling
of being on a bike. Great way to get around! Dunga Bay, on the shores of Lake Victoria, walking and
checking out the village, watching the fishermen and women bringing the days catch in. As they head out
into the water, one watches the horizon and the other scoops the water slowly sneaking in.
Karibu! Karibu! Welcome! Welcome! I hear as I take my walk. Buying Mandazis (similar to fry bread) such a mix of people in this village, black, indian, hindi all
neighbors together. I sat on my balcony listening and watching the children play and the families
cooking their evening meals. I was glad to have stayed outside Kisumu to a different quiet, not
that of the city. Rough roads, every part of me sore from the long days on the matatus. Having
some time to myself, loving the time to just read my book, reading the fight of the Africans in South
Africa against Apartheid, the years of struggle Nelson Mandela and his family. Falling asleep to the
rain and thunder outside my window.
Day 3, Tues: (Kisumu to Kakamega) From one matatu to another, everyone is very helpful, it was like
being a pingpong ball, being passed from one person to the next but in the end getting to where I
intended and all without getting lost. As I rode on the matatus, I would chat with my fellow passengers
we would ask where I was visiting from and in the end invite me to their homes, all were genuine
invitations. My destination from the beginning was to visit Kakamega Forest for a few days, a friend
of a friend was also going to be there so through sporadic email and faith we picked a place in the
forest to meet, Udos bandas. It took a few matatus and a couple boda-bodas to get me there but I
made it as well as did Sol. The camp was completely quiet and beautiful, the huts were like that of
a smurf, very cute, you had to duck your head to enter the small door, the roof was made from thatch,
and the house of mud. Inside there were 2 beds with mosquito nets with little windows to let the light
in. Sol and I met Patrick the guide to go for an afternoon walk through part of the forest before the
sun went down. We saw and heard the Colobus monkeys, surprizingly big, black and white, long tails,
like big skunks but they didnt stink or at least we couldnt smell them up in the trees. The calls of
the birds, one in particular who mimics your whistle. The Teak tree that sounds similar to a drum when
you pound it, the fragrance of some the plants, like sweet flowers. So much to learn from the forest... |
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| On my own.... |
[Apr. 21st, 2006|11:33 am] |
Family and Friends,
Well, after doing the overland touring for the last almost two months, I decided I needed to rest and make a plan for the next month I had left in Kenya before flying home May 3:(
I was so happy to see Kari and Dan again. They have really been great to me, just welcoming me, hanging out, cooking the most delicious meals and making me feel as though I were in my own home. I spent the next week going with them to Mpala Research Center, where I averaged a book a day, enjoyed the quietness and beauty of the place. It was good for me to be still for a bit. I was not so good about keeping up the journal though, internet does now always work when you want it to! My highlights about being in Nanyuki with Kari and Dan:
*Going to sleep on the veranda, watching the lightening in the distance, the trees were siloettes. I may have been tired but I just wanted to stay up watching the lightening and listening to the rain on the roof.
*Waking up to gorgeaous sunrises. I swear there is no other way I want to wake up. I would wake up early just to see them everyday of my life. There are no other houses in your view, just the endless sight of accacia trees, the birds whistleing a morning tune, the occasional bird smacking himself dizzy or dead from the windows. No,really, the oranges and reds whooshed across the sky. Every little bit of nauture calling you to rise, to not miss out on what mother nature has created. I will miss this sight every morning, I will keep it in my mind and feel it in my soul when I think of this place. It will be my happy place to go to when I return to the everyday, to the times when I am stressed and when I feel my feet wanting to wander to new places, I will think of these sights, sounds and feelings....
*Dan and I stopped one morning in on our way to MRC to look at a baby elephant all alone. Hmmm.... we wondered, that's strange, where is mama? Well.... Dan comments on how the baby is becoming agitated, making noises and moving about. Then I hear from my side a rustling, a crashing sound and there she is in all here glory, mama coming to see what baby is fussing about. Dan merely pushes his foot to the gas as quick as quick can be and were out of there but it all feels like slow motion. Our hearts dont stop beating for quite some time. Never, ever get in between a mama and a baby elephant! Whewwww...
*Walking down to the river that flows by the house, it has really filled up since the rains started, its moving now. Such a peaceful and refreshing walk, through the trees, along the rivers edge. We ran into a couple turtles, wow, talk about ancient and prehistoric creatures. So interesteing really!
*Spending my days at the research center I got to talking to some of the students, Professors and Staff about their projects.... ohh, I have to go now, the computor is needed. But be assured I will write more soon... love A |
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| Highlights of Zambia to Kenya |
[Apr. 21st, 2006|11:10 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | satisfied | ] |
Dear friends and family,
Once again you all are waiting for stories of my travels and I have delayed so now that I have a bit of time I will do a summary of what I did at the end of the last tour after going to Zanzibar, Tanzania.
After enjoying the smells, sights and tastes of Stone Town, it was time for us to to head back to Dar Es Salaam.
*Stone Town- sitting with women of the area getting a henna tattoo (dont freak out, henna washes away in 3 weeks, its plant dye). When travelling it is always men, as the guides and vendors so in this area you say more women, they were selling the beautiful scarves of various colors and also doing the henna painting. I had an intricate vine of flowers starting at the tip of my finger and winding its way up my wrist. I am trying it out, if I like it, I will consider getting it as a tattoo.
*Headed to the Serengetti/Ngorongoro for three days. I almost didnt go bcse it was a bit of money but am so glad I was convinced to go. I have never seen so many Wildebeasts, they are migrating back to the area now that the rains have come and there is food. So many babies being born but those mamas better watch them, saw some Spotted Hyenas that had just killed a baby for their meal. They are easy to catch. Kind of gruesome, one Hyena was jogging away with a leg in its mouth. That is the wild world of nature. Kill or be killed, run fast or get eatten!! Here is a list of all that we saw in the Serengetti and Crater:
All the Big 5- lions(so many!), Leopard(up in the crook of a tree, the guides have amazing eyes to
spot the animal from afar), Buffaloe(their horns look like an old Brittish Judges cap), Elephant,
and Rhino(such a curious animal, straight from prehistoric times!)
Impala, Gazelle, Zebra, Giraffe, Cervil Cat, and all of these animals are having babies.So Cute!
*Awakening one morning at our campsite, and as we drove a few feet there on the other side of us were some lions. Wow, they probably watched me as I walked to the bathroom the previous night. It just brings home the fact this is nature and the animals are wild and in control, were just visitors to this majestic place.
*Masaai People- In Tanzania there are so many Masaai, the women wear these beautiful, vibrant blue capes and decorate themselves with beaded jewelery, their ears are stretch out and hanging with long earrings. They are beautiful and so hard working. The men, who you see more often are wearing blankets of red check and they mind the cattle. They are one of the few Tribes that has and continues to live traditionally. Pretty amzaing in the fact that modern day society creeps inward, they are surrounded by it, yet they remain strongly faithful.
THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO SAY ABOUT THIS TRIP BUT THIS A LITTLE GLIMPSE.....
*The tour ended in Nairobi, Kenya. We all finished in one piece(minus my friend who finished with Malaria, everyone alse was healthy), from South Africa to Kenya, whew, quite an experience! Our companions were now 6, some were flying back to their homes, others were, our guides were turning right around and driving to Zambia in a few days to start another tour. I would hang out in Nairboi for a couple days and then head to Karis in Nanyuki to take a breather. |
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| Memories of Eastern Africa.... |
[Apr. 4th, 2006|02:56 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  crazy | ] |
I write to you from Nanyuki, Kenya
It is a quiet place here at the Mpala Research Station. Yes, the name may ring a bell, it is where Kari has worked for the last year and I have come to visit again as well as figure out what the plan is now. I have been here a week now, finished a couple books, got plenty of rest, caught up on emails(when it is working!) and now I am definately getting itchy to see some more of the area bcse I can feel my time ticking to a finish. Oh yea, if I didn't say anything, NO I do not have Malaria. I wanted to finish telling you about my second tour through eastern Africa. So here it is....
I last wrote to you from Stone Town Zanzibar in Tanzania. We took a tour of the city, it is a maze of a place. If you wonder around alone you feel so lost but eventually you do end up at the water again where you can orient yourself. I loved walking through the cobblestone streets, with its narrow alleyways, vendors on both sides selling everything from crafts, Kangas(wraps similar to sarongs,very colorful,with written meanings), bags, music, clothes... So much to take in and absorb. It was the market that did it for me, spices, fruits, veggies, stand after stand. Easy to get distracted from one stall to the next. Many of us had heard about the infamous Zanzibar coffee and we all had to have some. We came across an area, a larger space, shops on each side, the alleys going off in several different directions, and there was a group of men in their traditional clothes, the long robes and arab style hats sitting about drinking coffee. The coffee came in these small childs cups, teacups, it was as though we were at a teaparty. But let me tell you, it was the besttttttttt coffee I have ever had, ever! No fibbing! We also had some treats, sweet, not sure what they are made from. Excellent day so far! There is quiete a bit of history in this area, such a mixed group of people. Arab, African, British(majority gone now), and India. Walking around you see Rastas, little girls coming home from Quran lessons, women doing their daily shopping dressed in the bui-bui(robes covering whole body and head(face is visisble). It is a lovely town, though it is sad to say that the buildings have fallen into disarray. The town itself has been named a historical site but the people who once owned the homes have left and the people who now occupy them(several families at a time)live in poverty and cannot afford to fix them. It is this way all over the island. We went to one mansion that used to belong to the biggest slave trader in the area, it was the place where the slaves were kept untill they were sold. The stairs are all sketchy, ready to fall apart, the windows are wooden carvings, Arabic designs, with views, gorgeous views overlooking the ocean. Lots of history here, with the Old Fort: a huge castle like structure on the outside, on the inside a grassy courtyard. It was built on the same site as the Portugese chapel by the Omani Arabs as a defense against the Portugese. These days it is used for the annual film festival and cultural centre during the year. There's the sultan's residance now a museaum. We did visit the Anglican Cathedral and Old Slave Market. The Cathedral was build atop the slave chambers. It is small, hot and you get an idea of horrific conditions humans were kept in. Slaves were brought from as far away as Malawi and the Congo when the demand grew and traders made their way further inland. So it may be a small island but the history is far reaching. Unfortunately our time on Zanzibar was limited to only one night and a couple days. I would have enjoyed spending more time here, getting lost in the many alleys and streets and having another night tasting the food available at the nightly fish market. If you all ever get the chance to get to Zanzibar be sure to make your way in the evening to the fish Market. You will find that most of the locals come here to have their evening meal. There is seafood galore, freshly caught from the day, homemade Zanzibar pizza, fresh pressed sugarcan juice which is refreshing on a warm night. Then finally for dessert chocolates or the local sweet teas with a donut. HMMMM, yummy! I am going to come home round as a ball. Too many things to try and it would be rude to say no. Well, my friends, this is just a little peak into this beautiful and fascinating place. I have to get off the computor, too much time, time to go outside for fresh air.okay, I love you! Angelique |
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| Nairobi, Kenya... overlanding is done! |
[Mar. 28th, 2006|04:42 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | calm | ] |
Today is Tuesday March 28, 2006 Nairobi, Kenya
Hello friends,
The truck pulled into Nairboi this afternoon and dropped each of our travelling companions off at different sites. Strange feeling to be on my own again, but you know what? So far it feels good not to be hurrrying to meet anyone, just my own schedule. Well, I am in Nairobi for a couple days maybe. I have to get a hold of my friend Kari who lives in Nanyuki, Kenya to let her know I am on my way. Untill I get a hold of her I will try to do some emailing(when service is working), mail some things home(a chair!), chill!, maybe get a malaria test(one of my companions got it and I have had a fever but dont feel sick otherwise), try to make contact with my bank so I can access my money(hasn't worked since January, thank goodness for credit cards and travellers checks), make a plan for the next month!
I hope to hear from all of you, even though I have not been good at all about writting or calling but it has been extremely difficult to find internet and I am usually running from one place to the next. I am not going to write much at the moment,need to take care of banking things. I only wanted to let you all know I am okay and happy and have seen the BIG 5 in the Serengetti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. BIG 5: LION, ELEPHANT, BLACK RHINO, BUFFALOE, AND LEOPARD! I will write more soon, love you all! Angelique |
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| (Stone Town)Zanzibar, Tanzania |
[Mar. 23rd, 2006|05:11 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | pleased | ] |
Today is Wednesday March 22, 2006
Hellooooooo family and friends,
It has been way too long since I have written to you all, the days have flown by. I want to time to slow down so I can stop and breathe and fully capture it all. There is so much to take in, it is overwhelming at times that I cant keep up with my written personal journal. The second tour started on Wed March 8, we left from Vic FAlls, Zimbabwe and we didnt go too far the first day, we just crossed the border into Zambia. We were picking up 3more people, we had 8 from the first tour, now we would be 11. It is always great to meet new people! This tour takes us through Lusaka, Zambia; Luangwa River; we would unfortunately have to skip South Luangwa National Park due to the heavy rains the two bridges we needed to cross had been washed away. This tour, the distances were going to be longer and plans would change daily due to the rains and how people were feeling. At times we would be in the truck 12 hours, Eastern Africa the roads are not always good and narrow, you see a lot of turned over trucks due to the crazy fast drivers here. This is why you may see the trucks and minibusses all have names or sayings like "God bless us" or anything to help get the passengers safely to their destinations. Since we were not going to the NP we had a border crossing into Lilongwe, Malawi. Again on this route we had to skip going to visit Luwawa Forest, not passable due to the flooding. We drove, a long distance to Kande Beach, but the scenery made it all the worthwhile. Green, green, and green. Rolling hills, and in the distance Lake Malawi. We could see it but it seemed we would never arrive as slow as we had to go and then stopping to let the brakes cool. We spent 3nights on this beach camp and it was a wonderful break from the truck. It looked like an ocean, even had a tide coming in and out, and an island in the distance that the locals say you could swim to in 20 minutes. Beautiful place and friendly people, they all wanted to talk with you and teach you the local game of Bao (comes from the name of the Baobob Tree), I am now trying to learn it since I bought the game. During our time here we snorkeled, swam in the cool waters, played volleyball with the local people and other visitors. One day we even took a walk through the village with Danny who lives in the area. We went to the clinic, where we met mother and her day old baby, listened to the talks the women were being given about health. We visited Danny's home where he showed us the brick oven where they make the bricks to build the houses. They have the most beautiful gardens, very good agriculturalists,they really know how to take care of the land and use it wisely and to take care of their families. We went to a local school where upon walking in we created chaos, the children all want and ask for pens, the schooling is very expensive and many cannot afford the uniforms, texts, and supplies necessary. They love to have their pictures taken and all secretly hand you folded slips of paper so that you will write them or send pens. Even the adults you meet along the way throughtout all the countries want you to send them a postcard or offer to send you one. They encourage and enjoy the pictures and hope you will send them a copy. With the last hugs and pictures taken we head back to the camp to make dinner. Before the days are through we are invited to come to Danny's mother's house where we will enjoy a traditional dinner of Satsa, beans, pumpkin soup and meat along with some Malawi tea at the end. Oh so yummy! Thank you! The children then danced and sang for us, and one by one they invited us to dance with them as well. They are amazing dancers, and they are only yet 3 and 4 years old. The night is something to look forward to bcse we have a fire and learn to play drums and just really hang out with some of the local people. After Kande Beach we head to Chitimba Beach, still on Lake Malawi. It is an early night and a night of letting go of some of the friends we made from the first tour. Chris and Ray from New Hampshire head back to the USA and Chirs and Juliette head to Encarta Beach to explore more of Malawi for a month and East Africa for 6months. Goodluck and safe journeys! The next morning we awake early, leaving 6:30am to make the hike to the waterfall in the mountain and then to the town of Livingstonia. It was beautiful, we stood at the top of the waterfall scaring our tour leader whenever any of us ventured to close to the edge to get a peak down. Only 3 of us continued to Livingstonia, cute little place and the hike was 15km rountrip, 10hours! My feet along with my other companions were swollen the next day! It was worth it, gave me energy and it was so great to move, after all the sitting we do on the truck.
Well, it was time to say goodbye to Malawi and cross the border into Iringa, Tanzania. Whooo, long drive today, 12 hours really. But the farm camp we stayed at was beautiful and they had prepared us with the traditional meal of Ugali, pumpkin soup, meat, and beans with a nice surprize of a brownie. It was cold that night, we were higher up in elevation. I slept so well, the best sleep I had in a while. Hard to sleep when you feel hot and sticky and sandy all the time. I was looking forward to our drive the next day bcse we the road goes through Mikumi National Park, it was on the way to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania(historical port city). In the park we saw my friends the elephants, yea, I love those guys!
Long drive..... we had to catch a ferry to the campsite and we didn't get there until maybe 10:30pm and they had dinner for us since it would be too late to cook and everyone was exhausted. We would be camping on Mikade Beach, oh so nice, lots of beaches on this trip. Very different from being in the desert last tour. Sometimes I forget I am still in Africa, but Africa's coutries have so many faces. Mikade beach was a time to relax and get ready for Zanzibar, Tanzania. We would leave the truck behind and catch local transport. Good to get a break from the truck! Well, my dears, I must leave you now, I have to go meet my group to watch the sunset and then dinner. I hope to explore Stone Town tomorrow before we have to catch the ferry. It is a Muslim community and it is to be respected, such a different world with the girls and women in their burkas, the markets of spices and the call to prayer throughout the day. I love you all and hope to talk to you soon! love, Angelique |
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| Zambia |
[Mar. 10th, 2006|11:07 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  creative | ] |
| [ | music |
| | big head todd and the monsters | ] |
Today is Friday March 10, 2006 and I am in Lusaka, Zambia. Lusaka is the capitol of Zambia. This is the first time in awhile I have been able to check all my email msgs. and I probably won't be able to write or check again until I reach maybe Dar es salaam, Tanzania march 19 give or take but i will try if I come across any internet cafes. I am doing well but today it is raining, we have been lucky in that we really haven't had to deal with too much. Though it is the rainy season so maybe we will hit more soon. I dont mind the rain, as long as the sun also comes out now and again. The tents are a bit leaky as is the truck, pray for sunshine and clear skies. I love you all and appologize for not answering all your emails and questions. At some point I will write more, take care. Next stop is Luangwa River! |
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angeliquev's journal